Convicted sex offender accused of assaulting, trying to rape woman in Chelsea

CHELSEA, Manhattan -- A sex offender with an extensive criminal history is back behind bars and charged with trying to rape a woman in Chelsea.

Police arrested 61-year-old Darryl Phelps just after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The officers responded to a 911 call of an assault at a construction site at West 28th Street and 8th Avenue.

Investigators say they pulled Phelps away as he attempted to rape and strangle a 23-year-old woman who was walking home at the time.

The victim was punched in the face and treated for bruising to her eye.

Phelps was charged with rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse and assault.

Phelps was released on parole back in September after serving 23 years in state prison.

ALSO READ | Road rage may have led to deadly shooting in the Bronx

Naveen Dhaliwal reports that detectives are investigating Wednesday morning's fatal shooting in the Bronx as a case of road rage.

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More Manhattan news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a News Tip